AS the darker nights settle in, winter is fast approaching, and with it, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is announcing robust plans to deal with the anticipated rise in demand for NHS and ambulance services. These will ensure it continues to deliver high-quality care while supporting patients and staff during this peak period.

In the past year, the service has welcomed over 280 new staff members to the Paramedic Emergency Service, Patient Transport Service, and NHS 111 service. These additional recruits strengthen NWAS’s capacity to provide timely and appropriate care to those who need it. In addition, since February 2024, 32 new emergency vehicles have been added to the fleet, bringing the total up to 553 ambulances. All these vehicles will be available to respond to patients across the North West this winter. 

Frontline staff are being supported, too. To help them manage the increased demand, volunteers will be deployed to assist with staff welfare - offering refreshments at hospitals during peak times and helping to move equipment, staff, and vehicles around the region.

Over the last 12 months, NWAS has remained 1 of the top-performing ambulance trusts in the country. Fewer patients have experienced long delays, and they continue to work closely with local hospitals to reduce handover times, freeing up crews and ambulances to respond to new emergencies. 

Dan Ainsworth, Director of Operations, emphasised:- “We’re here for you this winter, as always, and our comprehensive plans will help us to maintain the high-quality care you expect. Winter brings unique challenges and increased demand, but we’re as prepared as possible. To help us help you, consider getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you haven’t already, keep your medicines cabinets stocked up, order repeat prescriptions in advance, make use of local pharmacies, and visit:- 111.nhs.uk for advice on non-urgent conditions.” 

For more information, visit visit the North West Ambulance Service website.